Non-Reading
24” Gauge Plymouth Engine, 12 Ton “Dinky”, #319
Background & History
Locomotive #319 is a Plymouth, 12 ton, 24” gauge, diesel locomotive with a mechanical drive rather than electric traction motors. It was purchased new by Carpenter Technology (Carpenter Steel) of Reading PA, and is typical of small industrial locomotives used inside many heavy industries. These small locomotives were often referred to as “Dinkys”. A small fleet of locomotives like these were used to move steel billets around the Carpenter plant until just a few years ago.
The 319 was donated to RCT&HS by Carpenter Technologies when the plant discontinued their use. The engine was donated along with a few sections of track and several billet cars. The locomotive came to us in very good condition and is still operable. No specific plans are made for the 319 other than to maintain it for static display.
Carpenter Steel #319 stored at Leesport
(Photo courtesy Tim Weidner, MP&RE Collection)
Plymouth Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Plymouth (Fate-Root-Heath)
Plymouth, OH
Date Built:
1956
Builder’s #:
?
Engine:
4-71 Detroit Diesel
2-stroke diesel
Horsepower:
125
Top Speed:
70 mph
Weight:
24,000 lbs.
Tractive Effort:
Not much!
Length:
Not much!
Fuel:
30 gallons
Lube Oil:
5 gallons
Water:
5 gallons
Aspiration:
Roots blower
Bore x Stroke:
8.5 x 10″
Displacement:
284 c.i.
Idle Speed:
?
Max Speed:
2,000 rpm
Transmission:
3-speed manual, torque converter, chain final drive
Brake System:
SA-2 straight air